Heroin arrest in Orangetown also leads to capture of fugitive from Haverstraw police assault

Nelson L. Sierra, 36, of West Haverstraw and Santos E. Alvarado, 37, of West Palm Beach Florida, were arrested on Friday arrested on drug and other charges following a routine traffic stop.

On Route 9W in Nyack, 4:26 p.m. Friday afternoon an Orangetown Police Officer stopped a 2003 Honda Accord driven by Sierra for a traffic violation. After an investigation, the officer found above subject to be in possession of a plastic bag containing 30 glassine envelopes of heroin, a marijuana cigarette and an open knife.

The heroin weighed approximately 9 grams. Subject was taken to OPD Headquarters in Orangeburg and was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance 3^rd degree (class B felony) and unlawful possession or marihuana (violation).

Subject was arraigned by Nyack judge Robert Knoebel and sent to the RC Jail on $20,000 bail. Alvarado, a passenger in Sierra’s vehicle, was also arrested. Police said Alvarado was found to be in possession of a clear plastic bag of marijuana.

However, the real trouble began for Alvarado when he was caught giving a false name and date of birth. The subject was arrested and taken to OPD Headquarters where his true identity was discovered, as well as the fact he was wanted on two outstanding warrants, one from the Village of Haverstraw for felony assault on a police officer and one from the Town of Ramapo for traffic offenses.

Alvarado was charged with criminal impersonation in the 2^nd degree (misdemeanor) and unlawful possession of marijuana (violation).  Subject was turned over to detectives from the Rockland County Sheriff’s office and transported to the RC Jail based on the felony warrant out of Haverstraw.